Allegra News

ALLEGRA SUMMARY

Fexofenadine hydrochloride, the active ingredient of ALLEGRA, is a histamine H1-receptor antagonist with the chemical name (±)-4-[1-hydroxy-4-[4-(hydroxydiphenylmethyl)-1-piperidinyl]-butyl]-(alpha), (alpha)-dimethyl benzeneacetic acid hydrochloride. It has the following chemical structure

ALLEGRA is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively were sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/throat, itchy/watery/red eyes.

ALLEGRA is indicated for treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It significantly reduces pruritus and the number of wheals.

Systematic review on the efficacy of fexofenadine in seasonal allergic rhinitis: a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. [2011]RATIONALE: Evidence-based medicine represents the effort to highlight the best intervention for patients, clinicians, and policy makers, each from their respective viewpoint, to solve a particular health condition. According to a recently diffused grading system of evidence and recommendations for medical interventions, efficacy and safety represent 2 of the most important features to consider, and data from meta-analyses of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) is the strongest supporting demonstration. Fexofenadine has been used for its efficacy and safety in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) for many years although no meta-analyses supporting its use currently exist. The aim of this study is to assess for the first time the efficacy and safety of fexofenadine in the treatment of AR by means of a meta-analytic analysis of existing RCTs. Since specific evidence should be provided to address recommendations in a pediatric population, the quality of the estimates of this subgroup analysis is assessed... CONCLUSIONS: This study has 5 major strengths: it represents the first attempt to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fexofenadine in the treatment of AR by means of a meta-analysis of RCTs; there was consistency between positive results in terms of efficacy in TSS and in individual symptoms; a large population was studied; there was an irrelevant interstudy heterogeneity, and the AE frequency was similar in both groups. All of these values encourage the recommendation of fexofenadine for AR. Further research focused on the benefits and disadvantages for a pediatric population is needed.

Clinical Trials Related to Allegra (Fexofenadine)

Preference for Clarinex Tablets vs Allegra Tablets in Patients With Seasonal Allergies (P03178) [Completed]
This was a crossover study designed to see if patients with seasonal allergy symptoms
preferred Clarinex® or Allegra®. Patients were randomized to take 7 days of Clarinex or
Allegra treatment, followed by a 5 to 28-day washout period (days when no drug is given),
followed by 7 days of the opposite treatment. At the end of each 7-day treatment, patients
were asked questions to determine which drug, Clarinex or Allegra, the patient prefers more.

Preference for Clarinex Tablets vs. Allegra Tablets in Patients With Seasonal Allergies (Study P03179) [Completed]
This was a crossover study designed to see if patients with seasonal allergy symptoms
preferred Clarinex® or Allegra®. Patients were randomized to take 7 days of Clarinex or
Allegra treatment, followed by a 5 to 28-day washout period (days when no drug is given),
followed by 7 days of the opposite treatment. At the end of each 7-day treatment, patients
were asked questions to determine which drug, Clarinex or Allegra, the patient prefers more.

Preference for Clarinex Tablets vs. Allegra Tablets in Patients With Seasonal Allergies (Study P03177) [Completed]
This was a crossover study designed to see if patients with seasonal allergy symptoms
preferred Clarinex® or Allegra®. Patients were randomized to take 7 days of Clarinex or
Allegra treatment, followed by a 5 to 28-day washout period (days when no drug is given),
followed by 7 days of the opposite treatment. At the end of each 7-day treatment, patients
were asked questions to determine which drug, Clarinex or Allegra, the patient prefers more.

Reports of Suspected Allegra (Fexofenadine) Side Effects

PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Based on a total of 23 ratings/reviews, Allegra has an overall score of 7.78. The effectiveness score is 8 and the side effect score is 8.70. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. Below are selected reviews: the highest, the median and the lowest rated.

Allegra review by 61 year old female patient

Rating

Overall rating:

Effectiveness:

Highly Effective

Side effects:

No Side Effects

Treatment Info

Condition / reason:

Allergies

Dosage & duration:

60 mg taken twice per day for the period of 2 years

Other conditions:

Ocular hypertension

Other drugs taken:

Xalatan

Reported Results

Benefits:

This drug alleviates my allergic responses--itchy eyes and sneezing. It's effective because if I don't use it, my symptoms return.

Side effects:

I'm not sure if this drug has a drying effect. I don't think so, but I really don't know how to tell.

Comments:

I take a pill approximately every 12 hours. I try to keep well hydrated.

Allegra review by 31 year old female patient

Rating

Overall rating:

Effectiveness:

Considerably Effective

Side effects:

No Side Effects

Treatment Info

Condition / reason:

Seasonal allergies

Dosage & duration:

60mg taken twice a day for the period of 3 months

Other conditions:

none

Other drugs taken:

nuva ring

Reported Results

Benefits:

It greatly reduced the effects I get from seasonal allergies including sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and an itchy upper soft palate at the back/roof of my mouth. It takes care of most of it, but I still get some itchiness at roof of my mouth.

Side effects:

No side effects!

Comments:

I take one pill in the morning, and one at night.

Allegra review by 60 year old female patient

Rating

Overall rating:

Effectiveness:

Moderately Effective

Side effects:

No Side Effects

Treatment Info

Condition / reason:

itchy watery eyes

Dosage & duration:

1 tab twice a day taken 10 days for the period of on and off over 3 years

Other conditions:

none

Other drugs taken:

none

Reported Results

Benefits:

suppose to stop my watery eyes. Had little or no effect

Side effects:

no side effects

Comments:

I was to take it twice a day, which I did. It was suppose to work for hayfever, watery eyes. With a severe hayfever attack the pills were of no value or effect. The pills don't stop the eyes from watering.